This will be Maholm’s second start as a Cub in Pittsburgh. He took a no decision the first time (2 runs in 5 innings in the game the Bucs won on Matt Hague‘s walk off HBP) and struggled early on with Chicago, but he’s on fire right now. Maholm has an 0.89 ERA over a current 4 game winning streak, and his name has actually come up in Pirates trade rumors. Obviously he’d be a nice addition if he keeps pitching like that, but I don’t see it happening.

McDonald is coming off two very poor starts following the All Star Break, and needs to get back on track tonight. Getting roughed up at Milwaukee and Colorado is somewhat understandable…but not so much against the Cubs at home.